Maoists kill 26 in India
Suspected Maoist rebels have killed at least 26 villagers in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, authorities say.
The villagers belonged to a voluntary people's movement, which resists the Maoists and is backed by the state government, reports say.
Police say 23 people were wounded in the attack in Dantewada district.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Thousands have died in Maoist campaigns across central and southern India in the past 30 years. Maoists say they are fighting for the rights of the poor.
Senior district official KR Pisda told the BBC the casualties in Sunday night's incident were expected to rise.
The police said the rebels targeted local people taking part in a civil militia called Salwa Judum, supported by the state government and launched one year ago to fight the Maoists.
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